Yes! Even if your pet has never been seen at the Newport Animal Hospital before, it is still possible to establish them as a patient in a timely fashion and board them with us. As the Boarding Facility is an extension of Newport Animal Hospital, our goal is to provide all pets staying with us the same superior level of care that we are able to provide to our existing patients. By having a relationship with you and your pet, we can better ensure your pet’s safety, as well as anticipate any health concerns that may arise based on previous medical history. For new clients (or new pets of current clients) we now offer a reduced fee, pre-boarding exam during which our one of our doctors will evaluate your pets general health, previous history, and confirm that all required vaccinations and diagnostics are up-to-date. This examination should be scheduled as soon as possible so to insure that required vaccinations such as “kennel cough” and “canine influenza” are administered at least 3 to 5 days prior to boarding. Please be advised that this examination does not guarantee that your pet will be eligible to board. Pets with significant illness, that are heavily matted, or that are aggressive will be unable board. Call us at (401) 849-3400 as soon as possible to schedule your pet for a pre-boarding wellness exam, or e-mail boarding@newportanimalhospital.com. You can also fill out New Client Form by clicking here!
Yes. All boarding pets need a reservation, preferably made at a minimum of 4-7 days in advance. Exceptions can be made in emergency situations if your pet is healthy, up-to-date on required vaccinations and fecal analysis, and has been seen for an exam recently. Certain required vaccinations, such as the “kennel cough” and “canine influenza” vaccinations can take up to 5 days to be fully effective in protecting your pet from some strains of the illness. Please contact us as soon as possible to reserve space for your pet and to insure availability and eligibility based on boarding requirements.
The new facility consists of 31 large runs and approximately 21 small to medium sized kennels for our canine boarders. We also have a special, quieter room just for cats consisting of just 6 kennels. Since the boarding facility at the Newport Animal Hospital is not overly large, we suggest that you call to make your pet’s reservation as soon as possible. In the event that we are unable to accommodate you pet for the time you have requested, we will be happy to put you on our waiting list and notify you of any cancellations.
All pets boarding at Newport Animal Hospital must be up-to-date on the vaccinations listed below. An up-to-date fecal parasite screen, including a Giardia test, is also required. Pets must be current on heartworm preventative as well as flea and tick preventative. All pets will be thoroughly checked for fleas upon arrival. Additional charges will apply if your pet needs flea and tick preventative or treatment. Please be aware that we are unable to board pets in heat. Doing so could potentially send other boarders into a frenzied state, compromising the safety of your pet and our staff.
Required vaccinations for dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella (kennel cough), Canine Influenza, Leptospirosis.
Required vaccinations for cats: Rabies, Distemper
Our staff would be happy to bathe your pet during their stay, or just before they go home depending on what you would like. Additional charges will apply on a sliding scale depending on size and coat-type. Please be advised that the boarding facility is not equipped for full grooming, so the bathing services offered consist of a full wash, rinse and towel dry, followed by a comb/brush out. We do not blow-dry pets, but instead direct them to a kennel with radiant heat flooring to warm up and air dry. Additionally, we will be unable to bathe heavily matted pets. These pets require professional grooming and should be seen by their regular groomer before entering the facility. Please understand that we offer bathing to boarding dogs only, and do not bathe by appointment.
Prevention of infectious disease is of utmost importance. Fecal analysis is extremely important in our efforts to protect your pet from the spread of intestinal parasites. These parasites are serious infections that can result in diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and subsequent hospitalization for your pet. If allowed to enter the facility, these parasites can spread rapidly. Out of concern for your pet, we require all boarding pets to be cleared and treated of any intestinal parasites before entering the facility.
Yes. Both are highly contagious and can be a serious concern in boarding kennels.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis (better known as “Kennel Cough”) is an infection of the “windpipe” or trachea and bronchial tubes. While the most common bacterium causing kennel cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica, several viruses and bacteria can cause the disease. The most common symptoms of kennel cough are a persistent cough, decreased appetite and depressed behavior.
Canine Influenza virus, (also known as “Canine Flu”) causes a respiratory infection in dogs. Canine Influenza is a relatively new virus, so almost all dogs are susceptible to infection when they are newly exposed. The most common symptoms are lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, nasal discharge and a dry cough.
The best way to prevent infection is vaccination. Our doctors recommend vaccination against both Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza for dogs that visit groomers, dog parks, day care facilities or boarding facilities. Both vaccines are required for all dogs boarding at Newport Animal Hospital. As prevention is key, all pets must receive their initial vaccines for these diseases at least 3 to 5 days prior to admittance. If this will be the first time your pet is receiving either vaccination, a booster will be required 3 weeks later.
While these vaccines significantly reduce instance of infection, they do not eliminate it completely. The “kennel cough” vaccine is approximately 85% effective and the “canine flu” vaccine is about 90% effective. Like the human flu shot, both vaccines greatly reduce the severity of symptoms and duration of illness in pets that do become infected.
Just as with children in a daycare setting, close proximity to other potential carriers can increase the risk of infection to your dog. Rest assured that our staff will take every possible precaution to prevent your pet from contracting any illness while in our care, but difficulty in prevention can arise since some pets carrying disease or harboring bacteria may not show any signs of illness whatsoever.
In a new environment, such as the one presented when a pet enters a boarding facility, pets can behave in unpredictable and uncharacteristic ways. Anxiety, unfamiliar surroundings and people, and general routine change can cause pets to destroy even their most cherished belongings and possibly cause themselves harm through ingestion. For the safety of your pet, it is the policy of Newport Animal Hospital that no personal items will be accepted. This policy also reduces the possibility of communicable disease, fleas and other possible infestations. We will provide clean, soft, fleece bedding nightly, that will be placed on heated floors, to keep your pet warm, comfortable and healthy!
Due to limited storage space, we are unable to store travel carriers during your cat’s stay. Cats should always arrive in an appropriate carrier, but we ask that you take this with you after dropping your pet off. Of course, when your cat’s stay with us is over, we also ask that you bring the carrier back to transport them home safely.
All runs are equipped with radiant floor heat keeping them nice and warm, and are constructed from a soft epoxy material, impervious to bacteria. No cold concrete floors here! This environment provides maximum comfort, which is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reduces communicable disease, manages fleas and other possible infestations, and keeps your pet safe, comfortable and healthy!
10. My pet is currently on medications/supplements. Will they be able continue these while boarding?
Yes. Our staff will administer medications and supplements as prescribed. A charge of $3.00 per instance will be applied. Most pets will require a “Pill Pocket” treat to hide the medication, which we will provide.
Yes. Unlike dogs, some cats will not eat anything but their regular food when boarded. You will be permitted to bring their own food, (canned, dry or both) as well as specific feeding instructions, (how often and how much your pet should be fed). Please bring only the appropriate amount of food to cover your pet’s stay. Large bags and excessive amounts will not be accepted due to space and storage conditions.
Yes. Please be sure to make us aware of any specific dietary needs you pet might have. If the prescription diet is stocked at Newport Animal Hospital we can provide the diet at an additional cost. If you choose to supply food you have already purchased, please bring only the amount required for the duration of your pet’s stay. Large bags or excessive amounts will not be accepted.
Yes! But we would be happy to supply your pet’s meals during their stay at no additional cost. Newport Animal Hospital feeds all boarding pets Science Diet� Sensitive Stomach formula, which is a high-quality, fully balanced, and easily digestible diet. Please feel free to bring your pet’s usual food when dropping off, but please bring only the amount required for the duration of your pet’s stay. Large bags or excessive amounts will not be accepted.
Yes. These pets would fall under Medical Boarding. Medical boarders include diabetic pets requiring insulin injections, renal failure pets requiring subcutaneous fluid administration, and other cases requiring specialized medical attention from veterinary technicians. Separate and additional fees for Medical Boarding will apply. An estimate for medical boarding can be created at your request.
As part of our check-in process, we will ask for phone numbers and an e-mail address so that we may contact you in the event of an urgent medical situation. In order for your pet to board with us, we must be able to contact you. If you will be unable to be reached during your pets stay, we will ask for the name and contact information of someone, designated by you, to make all medical decisions regarding your pet’s care. If we are unable to reach you or your designated contact and the situation becomes urgent, the doctor staff will provide appropriate, basic care until you can be reached. Regular veterinary service fees will apply, and you will be asked to sign an agreement to this policy at check-in. We understand that part of the reason clients entrust us with their pets is that we have a veterinary practice associated with the boarding facility. We will use all available resources to ensure your pet’s safety, security and health while you are away, and always do our very best to inform you of any changes in your pet’s condition.
Yes. If your pet breaks with stress-related diarrhea while staying with us, basic medications such as Lopermide (an over the counter anti-diarrhea similar to Immodium AD�) and Fortiflora� , (an intestinal flora supplement similar to probiotics found in yogurt) can be administered to your pet with the kennel managers approval. Additional charges will apply, as with any unforeseen medical treatments. Blood in the stool, concurrent vomiting or excessive diarrhea will require an exam by a doctor, and regular veterinary service charges will apply. As part of the check-in process you will be asked to sign an agreement to this policy.
Yes! When your pet is dropped off, please inform our staff if you will be unreachable. We will take the contact information of someone, designated by you, who is authorized to make all decisions regarding your pet’s care during their stay. Since concerns can arise that need to be addressed in a timely manner, we cannot board pets if an owner or designated contact are not available.
Upon checking in, all pets will be thoroughly checked for fleas and ticks by our staff. If necessary, Capstar� (a tablet used to completely eliminate all fleas within 30 minutes) will be administered, in addition to an application of K9 Advantix� for dogs or Frontline� for cats. Additional charges will apply.
In rare cases, pets can die unexpectedly while at a boarding facility. Death of a pet is always a sad possibility even at home, especially when underlying conditions go undiagnosed. Certain cancers and cardiac issues can be present without pronounced symptoms and can result in unexpected death at home or elsewhere. However, at Newport Animal Hospital, we boast a well-trained staff to monitor all pets closely for any abnormal behavior. Doctors are on the premises and will be consulted in a timely manner if concerns arise.
Additionally, the boarding facility is completely equipped with heat, fire, carbon monoxide and security detectors that are monitored 24 hours a day. In addition to our staff, the facility itself watches over your pets while you are away!
In an attempt to minimize waiting times and allow adequate time for owners and staff to communicate, pick-ups and drop-offs are done by appointment only. Please be advised that certain hours of the day are reserved solely for this purpose, so that staff will have adequate time to tend to pets and effectively maintain a schedule of activities. By keeping pets on a schedule of regular feedings and trips outdoors, we aim to minimize anxiety and make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Monday through Friday pick-ups and drop-offs are scheduled between the hours of 9am to 6:30pm.
Saturday pick-ups and drop-offs are scheduled from 9am to 6pm
Sunday pick-ups and drop-offs are scheduled from 9am-6pm.
Additional charges will apply if you require a pick-up time or drop-off time outside of designated times.
Since current vaccinations, lab work, and fecal parasite analysis are required for boarding services, the above mentioned procedures will need to be done prior to boarding. An annual exam of your pet is required to ensure direct and personal communication between the doctor and client regarding the pet’s overall health. Vaccinations, especially the “kennel cough” and Canine Influenza vaccines, are ideally administered at least 3-5 days prior to boarding. Results from a fecal parasite analysis take 1 to 3 days and, depending on findings, may require up to 10 days of treatment. If your pet is due for any of the aforementioned, please schedule an annual exam as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate pets in this situation. Some pets do not adjust well to a boarding facility environment. Some dogs will be stressed, while other dogs will have the time of their life. On occasion, some dogs will become aggressive to the staff or other animals in the facility. For the safety of all boarding pets and our staff, pets with any history of aggression will not be permitted to board. Also, if your pet becomes aggressive during their stay with us, our staff may decide that boarding at Newport Animal Hospital is not the right situation for your pet in the future.
Our staff will determine the optimal size of a kennel or run for your pet based on their size. It is a common misconception that more room is always better for any sized pet. The truth is, smaller animals tend to experience less anxiety and feel more secure in suitably smaller enclosures. Too much room can cause stress and anxiety, which is why pets weighing 25 pounds and under are recommended for kennel boarding as oppose to run boarding. The fact is, smaller pets are more comfortable and secure in smaller areas.
Yes! For dogs, we have multiple adjacent runs with interconnecting doors. Opening these doors allows your pets to have access to both runs and to each other during daytime, supervised hours.
If you are boarding 2 or more cats, we have larger kennels that can accommodate more than one cat. When entering a boarding facility, some cats can behave in unpredictable and uncharacteristic ways. Even pets that are accustomed to sleeping next to one another regularly have, in some cases, become aggressive towards one another in a new and unfamiliar environment. Cats boarding together will be assessed on an individual basis to determine if this type of boarding arrangement is appropriate.
In a new environment, such as the one presented when a pet enters a boarding facility, pets can behave in unpredictable and uncharacteristic ways. Even pets that are accustomed to sleeping next to one another on a nightly basis for years have in some cases been shown to become aggressive towards one another in a new and unfamiliar environment. For the safety of your pets, your dogs will be able to visit one another only during daytime supervised hours.
Overnight attendants are not provided. The overnight period extends from 8pm in the evening until 7am the next morning, a stretch of time comparable to the time owners leave pets at home while at work. Kennel staff will feed and walk all pets before leaving ensuring their comfort overnight. The boarding facility is completely equipped with heat, fire, carbon monoxide, and security detectors that are monitored 24 hours a day.
Yes! Please be aware that unlike a hotel, boarding is charged per day, not per night. When you drop-off your pet, we will gladly go over and confirm charges and any extra amenities you’d like for your pet during their stay. For a complete list of services and costs, click here . Or call our office at (401) 849-3400 to request an estimate.
Yes. Due to increased demand for boarding on and around certain holidays, and our need to adequately staff a fully booked facility, holiday rates will apply. Click here for our holiday rates and a list of applicable dates.
The level of care, quality of the facility, competence of staff, and the availability of veterinary care all factor into the cost required to support the facility and staff. We feel that the cost of services offered is proportionate to the care and supervision your pet will receive.
Newport Animal Hospital asks that in the event you need to cancel a boarding reservation, that you allow us 48 hours notice. Failure to do so will result in a $25.00 fee per pet charged to your account. We appreciate your consideration regarding this policy so that we may offer boarding availability to other clients.
Yes! The boarding facility is fully equipped with XM� Satellite Radio, with speakers in all areas so your pet will never feel alone. We have noticed that the addition of music seems to significantly reduce incessant stress barking that can sometimes occur when pets enter a new or unfamiliar environment. A little background noise can go a long way to distract boarding pets from constantly waiting to hear footsteps or other staff activity all day. This constant noise monitoring can be a tiresome task for your pet to take on, and we have found that music helps to make sure that our footsteps aren’t the only sounds your pet hears all day long. After all, we want them to relax during their stay!
Boarding pets should be at least 16 weeks of age before entering the facility. Prior to this, a puppy or kitten’s immune system is still developing and may not be fully competent to respond to preventative vaccinations required to keep them healthy while in an environment with other pets. Very young puppies and kittens need frequent feedings, ample opportunities to urinate and have bowel movements, and overnight supervision.